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Fifty Shades Darker - Featurette and Clip


'Fifty Shades Darker' is the tense new sequel to the erotic 2015 thriller 'Fifty Shades of Grey', based on the book trilogy of the same name by E. L. James. It sees the return of Anasatasia Steele and Christian Grey, though this time their relationship is more complicated than ever especially when secrets from the latter's past surface. Secrets aren't the only things either; this couple's romantic escapades are interrupted by a terrifying undercurrent of danger. Directed by James Foley ('House of Cards') - who has also signed on for trilogy finale 'Fifty Shades Freed' - and written by Niall Leonard ('Wire in the Blood', 'Monarch of the Glen'), 'Fifty Shades Darker' will be released on February 10th 2017.

Continue: Fifty Shades Darker - Featurette and Clip

E. L. James Over-Ruled 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Director Over Ending


E.L. James Sam Taylor-Wood Jamie Dornan Dakota Johnson

On the eve of its release, Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Johnson has broken her silence on what it was like to work with the book’s author E L James. In an interview with Porter magazine, she admitted “it was difficult, I’m not going to lie.”

“We definitely fought, but they were creative fights and we would resolve them,” the 47 year old continued. “We would have proper on-set barneys, and I'm not confrontational, but it was about finding a way between the two of us, satisfying her vision of what she'd written as well as my need to visualize this person on screen, but, you know, we got there.”

Sam Taylor Johnson
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson has spoken of her frustration of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

Continue reading: E. L. James Over-Ruled 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Director Over Ending

Fifty Shades Of Grey, The Maze Runner: 10 Book To Screen Movies We Just Can’t Wait For


Jennifer Lawrence Jamie Dornan Ben Affleck Daniel Radcliffe E.L. James

In the coming months many of our favourite books will be making the leap to the big screen as Hollywood seemingly goes adaption crazy. From young adult favourites such as The Maze Runner to the family friendly Boxtrolls and of course Fifty Shades of Grey, here’s our pick of 10 book to screen movies we just can’t help getting excited for!

Ben Affleck in Gone GirlGone Girl - In Gone Girl Ben Affleck stars as the husband we’re just not sure we can trust as Gillian Flynn’s thriller makes its way onto the big screen. After coming home on his fifth wedding anniversary to find his wife Amy is missing, Nick Dunne is left trying to figure out what possibly could have happened to her. But as details of the couple’s seemingly blissful marriage are revealed in the media, suddenly more and more fingers start to be pointed at Nick. From the trailer, this one looks like it could be even better than the book thanks to Affleck’s believable performance and the casting of Neil Patrick Harris. Gone Girl hits theatres this October, but in the meantime you can watch the trailer here.

Dakota in Fifty Shades Of GreyFifty Shades of Grey - Perhaps the most anticipated book to movie adaptation in recent years, Fifty Shades of Grey stars Jamie Dornan as the seductive Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele. While the book has famously been described as ‘mummy porn’, there are some fearful that the upcoming movie may be a little too tame for E.L. James’s loyal readers. Directed by Sam Taylor Wood, there’s no doubt that Fifty Shades of Grey will have one massive box office opening when it hits theatres on Valentines Day 2015. But if you just cant wait, you can first get a taste of the action with the newly released trailer here.

Continue reading: Fifty Shades Of Grey, The Maze Runner: 10 Book To Screen Movies We Just Can’t Wait For

Despite Being Re-Cast, Charlie Hunnam Is Still Rooting For "Fifty Shades Of Grey"


Charlie Hunnam E.L. James Dakota Johnson Jamie Dornan Beyonce Knowles

In case you’re not interested in Fifty Shades of Grey news, look away now. Actually, you may want to disconnect from the internet for the next week or so. Between Beyonce’s recent Instagram teaser and the full-length trailer for the adaptation of E. L. James’  erotic novel coming this Thursday, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele will be pretty much inescapable in the days ahead.

Charlie Hunnam
Charlie Hunnam still wants to see Fifty Shades of Grey.

In other Fifty Shades news, Charlie Hunnam, formerly cast to star in the steamy flick, has spoken out about his exit from the project one month after the announcement of his casting. According to the Associated Press, Hunnam spoke at a Fox event on Sunday as part of the TCA press tour – and he only had kind words for E. L. James, Fifty Shades director Sam Taylor-Johnson and the story overall.

Continue reading: Despite Being Re-Cast, Charlie Hunnam Is Still Rooting For "Fifty Shades Of Grey"

'50 Shades' Filming Disrupted By Old Dude With Cowbell, Mayhem Ensues


Dakota Johnson Jamie Dornan Sam Taylor-Wood E.L. James

If you thought that the shooting of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie would be any easier than the chaotic casting, you were pretty wrong. After having hiccups in the early stages, including the walk-out of the former Christian Grey, Charlie Hunnam, as well as the film's seeming inability to nail down any committed cast members apart from Dakota Johnson, filming is finally underway in Vancouver.

Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson Has Made A Success of Her '50 Shades' Role.

Reports from the shoot suggest that the movie, which is based on author EL James' erotic trilogy, seems to be well-cast with Johnson and Jamie Dornan enjoying chemistry in their roles as Ana Steele and her lover Grey. "Dakota is nailing her role," says E!News' source, adding "Everyone on set loves Dakota." Indeed, Sam Taylor-Johnson's directing seems to be working out pretty well too. "Sam has a great relationship with the actors," the movie source says. "The script is running smoothly and there is not a lot of re-shooting that has had to be done."

Continue reading: '50 Shades' Filming Disrupted By Old Dude With Cowbell, Mayhem Ensues

'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Book Contains Cocaine And Herpes


E.L. James

Be careful when purchasing a 2nd hand copy of the erotic novel '50 Shades Of Grey'.

A copy of E.L James's hugely popular novel, from a Belgian library, has been discovered to contain traces of the class A drug, cocaine and the viral disease, herpes.

Toxicologist professor Jan Tytgat from the Catholic University of Leuven, made the discovery, he and his team were examining the ten most borrowed books at Antwerp Library.

Continue reading: 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Book Contains Cocaine And Herpes

'50 Shades Of Grey' Movie: What Says Valentine's Day Better Than Big Screen Bondage?


Jamie Dornan Dakota Johnson Sam Taylor-Wood E.L. James

The much-discussed movie adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey has been hit with a barrage of problems ever since Universal acquired the rights to EL James' erotic novel. With the most recent issue to affect the film - Charlie Hunnam's exit, followed some time after by Jamie Dornan's eventual casting - only recently being resolved, it doesn't really come as too much of a surprise to learn that studio bosses have decided to delay the film's release for another few months.

JAmie DJamie DornanornanDakota Johnosn
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are the film's stars

Originally slated for a 1 August 2014 release, it has since been announced that the film will instead debut in February 2015, coinciding with Valentines Day. Shooting was put back following Hunnam's exit, having originally been slated to begin this month.

Continue reading: '50 Shades Of Grey' Movie: What Says Valentine's Day Better Than Big Screen Bondage?

Universal Announces Postponed Release Date For "Fifty Shades" Film


E.L. James Dakota Johnson Jamie Dornan Charlie Hunnam

In a new twist, the constant bumps in the road for the Fifty Shades of Grey project may have resulted in the release date being postponed for 2015. Reuters reports that Universal Pictures made the announcement on Wednesday. The original release date – August 1, 2014, has been pushed back for February 13 the following year – just in time for Valentine’s day.

Universal made no comment on the reason for the postponed release date, but it may be related to Charlie Hunnam, who was cast to portray protagonist Christian Grey, pulling out of the project on October 13 this year. Hunnam was quickly replaced, however, when Irish actor Jamie Dornan signed on to star alongside Dakota Johnson on October 24. This means that casting problems are probably not the cause of the delay after all.

The film is slated to begin shooting in December. It will be distributed by Universal Pictures' Focus Features. Despite the 50 Shades trilogy having been panned by many critics, the book became the fastest selling paperback of all time in Britain. It remains to be seen whether the adaptation will achieve similar success. The 2015 release date means that it is possible for the film to lose a lot of the built-in buzz from the book release.

Continue reading: Universal Announces Postponed Release Date For "Fifty Shades" Film

'True Blood' Actor Luke Grimes Signs On For 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Movie


Jamie Dornan Luke Grimes Dakota Johnson Jennifer Ehle E.L. James

With the part of Christian Grey finally decided on, again, the film adaption of EL James' 50 Shades of Grey can once again inch towards completion. The first post-Jamie Dornan-casting move to be taken care of is the appointment of his brother, who will be played by True Blood actor Luke Grimes.

Jamie DornanDakota Johnson
Grimes joins Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as a confirmed cast member

Grimes is the first actor to be hired for the upcoming 50 Shades adaptation since Jame Dornan was cast as the new Christian Grey - replacing Charlie Hunnam - and joins Jennifer Ehle and Dakota Johnson - who will play lead role Anastasia Steele - as one of the confirmed cast members. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grimes will play Elliot Grey, a pivotal character in the EL James novel, who begins a relationship with Anastasia's best friend, a role that hasn't been cast yet.

Continue reading: 'True Blood' Actor Luke Grimes Signs On For 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Movie

Who Is Jamie Dornan? Cheat Sheet For 'Fifty Shades Of Grey's' Christian


Jamie Dornan Dakota Johnson E.L. James

Jamie Dornan has signed on to play Christian Grey in Universal and Focus Films' adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey - the bestselling erotic novel by E.L James. Dornan - an Irish actor with only a modest CV - replaces Charlie Hunnam who infamously backed out of the project just 2 weeks before filming was set to begin in Vancouver.

It's likely that Dornan came to the producer's attentions for his excellent turn in the BBC series The Fall, with The X-Files' Gillian Anderson. Playing a bereavement psychologist moonlighting as serial killer, Dornan proved he could do the whole glassy-eyed maniac thing. 

Speaking with Digital Spy of one particularly disturbing scene, the former model said, "I spent a day strangling myself on the back of a door while I masturbated to a driving license of one of my victims. That's not an easy day at the office! And they cut it out! I couldn't believe it-they didn't even tell me. When I first watched the series, it just wasn't there!"

Continue reading: Who Is Jamie Dornan? Cheat Sheet For 'Fifty Shades Of Grey's' Christian

Scott Eastwood Circling '50 Shades' Role? Does Anyone Still Care?


Scott Eastwood E.L. James Matt Bomer Ryan Gosling Ian Somerhalder Sam Taylor-Wood Charlie Hunnam Dakota Johnson

Scott Eastwood, the son of Western movie star Clint Eastwood, is the latest in a long line of names to be associated with the role of Christian Grey in the upcoming, ill-fated film adaptation of EL James' raunchy trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey. The role has had to be recast after former Grey, Charlie Hunnam, walked out over purported scheduling difficulties.

Scott Eastwood
The New Grey?

At this point in time, been described as the 50 Shades frontrunner pretty much means that you're the only male actor left in Hollywood who hasn't already been associated with the role. The list's too long for us to name them all, but notable rumoured former "frontrunners" have included Ian Somerhalder, Jamie Dorkin, Ryan Gosling and Matt Bomer.

Continue reading: Scott Eastwood Circling '50 Shades' Role? Does Anyone Still Care?

Jamie Dornan Set To Become Christian Grey In '50 Shades Of Grey'?


Jamie Dornan Charlie Hunnam E.L. James Sam Taylor-Wood Dakota Johnson

Actor Jamie Dornan is the latest in a long line of rumored successors to the role of Christian Grey after Charlie Hunnam walked away from the adaptation of author EL James' erotic trilogy. The Irish The Fall actor's name has surfaced to the top of the pile since Hunnam's departure after it was reported that he went for the role the first time round but lost out to the better-known Sons of Anarchy star.

Jamie Dornan
Jamie's Looking A Strong Contender For The '50 Shades' Role.

Hunnam blamed his necessary departure on an "immersive schedule" and explained that he wouldn't have time to properly prepare for the role as a result. This left the studios scrambling and 50 Shades fans wondering who the new face of the Christian Grey would be in the sexually-charged fiction.

Continue reading: Jamie Dornan Set To Become Christian Grey In '50 Shades Of Grey'?

One Christian Grey To Rule Them All - Jamie Dornan Is The Latest Actor To Be Considered


E.L. James Charlie Hunnam Jamie Dornan

Charlie Hunnam quit the Fifty Shades of Grey project a few days ago, but the ripples of his exit are still being felt throughout the internet. This is mostly because, as of today, there is still no news as to who will replace the Sons of Anarchy actor and take on the role of Christian Grey. One fan favorite for the part seems to be Matt Bomer, although he hasn’t publicly expressed any interest and his name reportedly doesn’t feature in Universal’s uber-secret list of Christian Grey hopefuls.

Charle Hunnam, Sons of Anarchy Filming
Hunnam's exit has thrown the production in a state of chaos.

Said list includes a few actors, whom Universal chairman Donna Langley, producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, director Sam Taylor-Johnson and author EL James are reportedly considering for the role, now that they are left in a desperate scramble to replace Hunnam in time for the start of filming – November 1. This oh-so-secretive list – part of which was nonetheless revealed by The Hollywood Reporter – also includes British TV stars Jamie Dornan, 31, and Christian Cooke, 26.

Continue reading: One Christian Grey To Rule Them All - Jamie Dornan Is The Latest Actor To Be Considered

Cold Feet? Dakota Johnson CouldFollow Charlie Hunnam In 'Fifty Shades' Exit


Dakota Johnson Charlie Hunnam E.L. James Sam Taylor-Wood Matt Bomer Alexis Bledel Cillian Murphy Ryan Gosling Brad Pitt

It was going rather well for the Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Johnson and her team: after what seemed like ages they'd managed to pull off a great casting decision, choosing two actors on the cusp of big-time fame. However, they were not only hit by a 90k strong petition telling them their choice was wrong; they had to say goodbye to Charlie Hunnam, AKA Christian Grey, and learn their Anastasia Steele, Dakota Johnson, had a touch of the heebie jeebies too.

Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson Could Be Thinking Of Leaving '50 Shades.'

Sons of Anarchy star Hunnam's exit was confirmed earlier this week due to an "immersive TV schedule" that would prevent the actor from being able to fully prepare for the role of Christian Grey. The film took a hit, author EL James sent her best, and fans began to wonder whether Hunnam had secretly been influenced by the petition launched to replace him and Johnson with Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel.

Continue reading: Cold Feet? Dakota Johnson CouldFollow Charlie Hunnam In 'Fifty Shades' Exit

Could Dakota Johnson Be Heading For A '50 Shades' Exit Too?


Dakota Johnson Charlie Hunnam E.L. James

Dakota Johnson is feeling apprehensive about her part on the upcoming movie adaptation of EL James' 50 Shades of Grey. Like her former co-star Charlie Hunnam, the immense pressure that comes with the coveted role is proving to be a heavy weight to bear, one that she is finding increasingly difficult to keep balance with.

Last week, the 50 Shades of Grey movie was delivered a major blow when lead actor Hunnam dropped out of the project. His reasons for leaving were initially said to be because of his overwhelming work load, however ater reports stated that his exit was more to do with the sheer pressure that came with the job and the limelight that seemed to follow him everywhere since his part in the project was confirmed. Now reports are suggesting that Johnson too could be on the way out.

"Dakota is having a very hard time dealing with all the press," a source close to the actress told E! News. "When she first got the role, it was way too much for her."

Continue reading: Could Dakota Johnson Be Heading For A '50 Shades' Exit Too?

Did Charlie Hunnam Simply Realise The Fifty Shades Movie Will Probably Be Rubbish?


Charlie Hunnam E.L. James

There are a lot of theories abounding regarding Charlie Hunnam’s abrupt Fifty Shades movie exit. The official line is: he can’t find the time in his schedule to properly prepare for the role. The unofficial one is: the angry fans intimidated him and he jumped ship.

Charlie HunnamCharlie Hunnam in a big fat motorbike

We’ve got a sneaky suspicion that neither of the aforementioned ‘reasons’ are true, and that Hunnam – who can’t claim to be attached to many critically acclaimed projects – realised just how bad the movie version of the steamy book will be, and decided it wasn’t for him.

Continue reading: Did Charlie Hunnam Simply Realise The Fifty Shades Movie Will Probably Be Rubbish?

Charlie Hunnam On "Fifty Shades," "Queer As Folk" And On-Screen Chemistry


Charlie Hunnam Dakota Johnson E.L. James

Some fans of Fifty Shades of Grey might disagree, but it does seem like Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam is the perfect choice to play the racy role of Christian Grey – in that he’s willing to do it, at least.

The film’s director Sam Taylor-Johnson still hasn’t revealed how much of the sexual content of E. L. James’ novel will make it on screen, but it’s likely to be quite a lot, considering that sexual scenes make up most of the trilogy.

This might also be part of the reason why several actors and actresses turned down the lead roles before Hunnam and co-star Dakota Johnson agreed.

Continue reading: Charlie Hunnam On "Fifty Shades," "Queer As Folk" And On-Screen Chemistry

Charlie Hunnam: Who He Is And Why He's Perfect For His 'Fifty Shades' Role


Charlie Hunnam Dakota Johnson E.L. James

So fans all over the world have waited more than a year for news on the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' movie adaptation, but there was a definite resounding disappointment when author EL James finally spilled the main cast over Twitter earlier this week. 

Charlie Hunnam Pacific Rim PremiereCharlie Hunnam Pacific Rim Premiere

With everyone expecting one of a series of major actresses for the role of small, dark-haired, big blue-eyed Anastasia Steele, Alexis Bledel being the favourite, the fact that tall, blonde 'Ben and Kate' star Dakota Johnson was selected caused more than a flicker of annoyance among serious readers. However, probably the more outrageous side of the update was who would take on the challenge of the dark and mysterious Christian Grey: not Matt Bomer or Robert Pattinson as fans had hoped, but 'Sons of Anarchy' actor Charlie Hunnam. As the world reached for Google for a reminder as to who this Newcastle born 33-year-old was, his welcome into the project became the coldest he'd ever received.

Continue reading: Charlie Hunnam: Who He Is And Why He's Perfect For His 'Fifty Shades' Role

Who Is Dakota Johnson & Why Has She Landed The '50 Shades' Role Of Ana Steele?


Dakota Johnson Charlie Hunnam E.L. James Sam Taylor-Wood

The swirling rumours have been confirmed: Dakota Johnson will take the lead female role in the movie adaptation of EL James' erotic trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey. The 23-year old Social Network acress will join Pacific Rim actor Charlie Hunnam in bringing to life the bondage whips-and-chains-filled story.

Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson Has Been Picked For The 50 Shades Role.

Many actresses publically distanced themselves from the role, which will inevitably involve plenty of unhinged sex scenes, including Mila Kunis and Emma Watson, who probably weren't even offered the role, but wanted to make sure everyone knew it wasn't their kind of character. The books have been extremely successful, placing EL James at the top of Forbes richest author list of the last year. However, there has been plenty of criticism too, where James' writing, storyline, characters and just about everything else have come under fire as the book was branded "mommy porn."

Continue reading: Who Is Dakota Johnson & Why Has She Landed The '50 Shades' Role Of Ana Steele?

Dakota Johnson Set For '50 Shades' Lead: Would She Make A Good Ana Steele?


Dakota Johnson E.L. James Sam Taylor-Wood Charlie Hunnam Ian Somerhalder Mila Kunis Shailene Woodley Emma Watson Garrett Hedlund

It's less than a year until the Fifty Shades of Grey movie is due in cinemas yet there doesn't seem to have been any firm casting decisions made. The movie, which will be an adaptation from EL James' best-selling erotic fiction of the same name, will have British director Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) at its helm but nothing more appears to have been set in concrete.

Dakota Johnson
Will Dakota Johnson Really Take The Lead 50 Shades Character?

The role of Christian Grey - the billionaire with a BDSM fetish - has been the most media-covered role so far, with Ian Somerhalder wanting the role, Garrett Hedlund rejecting the role and Taylor-Johnson's own husband, Aaron, rumored for the part. However, it has emerged that we may know who plays student-turned-sex-slave Anastasia Steele first, namely Dakota Johnson.

Continue reading: Dakota Johnson Set For '50 Shades' Lead: Would She Make A Good Ana Steele?

Does 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Abuse Research Affect Hollywood Movie?


Sam Taylor-Wood Ian Somerhalder Matt Bomer Alexis Bledel Nina Dobrev E.L. James

Shocker: Fifty Shades of Grey reinforces the problem of abuse against women, new research has shown. Nope, it seems EL James' novel - the fastest selling paperback of all time - cannot be regarded simply as "erotic fantasy."

Amy Bonomi, a professor at Michigan State University, and two former colleagues from Ohio State University undertook an in-depth study of the book's first eight chapters and found that "emotional abuse is present in nearly every interaction."

They found that the book, dubbed "mummy porn," included a number of examples of "intimate partner violence", including intimidation, isolation, stalking and humiliation.

Continue reading: Does 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Abuse Research Affect Hollywood Movie?

Fifty Shades Of Grey Movie: Unleashed In Summer 2014


Sam Taylor-Wood E.L. James

In a phenomenon that whipped its way around the world topping international bestseller lists, it wasn't long before EL James erotic fantasy Fifty Shades of Grey about student Anastasia Steele and dominant billionaire Christian Grey had its film rights acquired by Universal Pictures in March 2012. Most of the film's details are still cloaked in mystery but after learning that British Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) will direct the film, The Wrap reports that it's due to hit cinemas on 1st August next year (2014) in the USA, with international release dates announced later.

Sam Taylor Johnson
Nowhere Boy's Sam Taylor-Johnson To Direct Fifty Shades of Grey.

Though no actors have officially been announced, speculation is rife as to who will bear the whips and chains in the film. Current bookies favourite is Mad Men actress Alexis Bledel, with odds of 5/1. A cheeky representative from one bookmakers said: "We've seen a ton of money on Alexis Bledel and it's clear punters fancy her for the role - we'll be facing a spanking payout if she's tied down for the role." Bledel is followed by Amanda Seyfried, Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke, Felicity Jones (Cemetary Juntion), and Sasha Grey (err...ex-pornstar). For the role of sadomasochistic business magnate Grey, Ladbrokes' current favourite is The Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder with odds of 4/1, Sunshine actor Cillian Murphy (6/1), and Drive's Ryan Gosling (5/1).

Continue reading: Fifty Shades Of Grey Movie: Unleashed In Summer 2014

'Anna Karenina' Director Joe Wright To Helm Risque 'Fifty Shades' Movie?


JOE WRIGHT E.L. James Keira Knightley

JOE WRIGHT is rumoured to direct the upcoming movie adaptation of E.L. James' best-selling erotica novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

The director looks to be a firm choice for Focus and Universal who bought the rights to the trilogy in 2012, according to The Hollywood Reporter, as he has been at the helm of five award winning features linked to the production companies including the Oscar winning 'Anna Karenina' and 'Atonement', and the four-time Academy Award  nominee 'Pride & Prejudice'. Of course, this might also suggest that Keira Knightley may be up for the controversial role of Anastasia Steele given that she has been the female protagonist in all of those films and that she is no stranger to kinky characters having been subjected to erotic spanking in David Cronenberg's Freudian flick 'A Dangerous Method'. 

Although we know that 'Terra Nova' writer Kelly Marcel will be adapting the screenplay, there is actually no solid deal announced between Wright and Focus/Universal. Keira may also have objections to the role, having previously told MTV in regards to her next movie project, 'It's not going to be Fifty Shades of Grey. You know, I normally don't like to give a definite about anything, but I can definitely say it will not be Fifty Shades of Grey.'

Continue reading: 'Anna Karenina' Director Joe Wright To Helm Risque 'Fifty Shades' Movie?

E L James' New Book Will Be "Less Raunchy" Than 50 Shades Of Grey


E.L. James

After the phenomenal success of E.L. James' 50 Shades Of Grey (over 65 million copies sold last year folks, and presumably still rising), the pressure on the British author to come up with something new must be huge. In fairness to James though, rather than hide away and let the fuss over her soft-erotic novel die down, she’s got right back to it, and is already talking up her next book.

However, James is clearly aware that, now she’s up there with J K Rowling as the most famous living author in the world, the attention will be fierce. “It won’t be nearly so raunchy” she said of her new narrative, “and I will probably write it under another name.” The New York Post reckon she was joking when she said that, though we wouldn’t blame her for changing her name and sneaking something out to alleviate the pressure of it all. Though of course that probably wouldn’t sell nearly as much, something her publishers might not be too happy about.

James was chatting to the Post at the Vanity Fair Oscars bash – a fine location to try and ensnare some of Hollywood’s top brass to appear in the film adaptation for 50 Shades Of Grey you’d have thought. However, she remained guarded once again about what we could expect from the movie, or even when it was going to happen. “We don’t even have a filmmaker . . . so we are still a long way away from casting” she said. “I have some ideas . . . but it may not be who people expect.”

2012's 'Most Fascinating People' According To Barbara Walters


Barbara Walters Ben Affleck One Direction Hillary Clinton E.L. James Gabby Douglas

We at Contact Music deal in the business of 'interesting people'. We write about them day in, day out, but there's one person that has anointed herself for the past twenty years as the right person to judge the top ten most interesting people of the year: Barbara Walters

For the past twenty years, Barbara Walters has hosted a special 90 minute show about the year's most interesting people. According to NY Daily News, those to make the cut this year include; E.L. James, journalist and woman responsible for the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy; Argo's Ben Affleck, whose rise to fame was most notably due to his collaboration with Matt Dillon on 'Good Will Hunting' in 1997; Teenage Olympic medal-winning athlete, Gabby Douglas; Comedy writer, creator of 'Family Guy' and the director of summer movie Ted, Seth McFarlane; UK boy band One Direction; and finally two opposing political figures, Democrat Hilary Clinton and Republican Senator Chris Christie. 

Neither the writer of poorly written fiction, nor an adolescent boy-band seem all that interesting to us, though Chris Christie, Ben Affleck and Gabby Douglas all seem like great choices. Plus, the best is yet to come, as Barbara Walter's top three interesting people of 2012 will be revealed on the show when it's broadcast on December 12th on ABC. Who do you think is the most interesting person of 2012? Let us know what you think in the comments below. 

Mummy Porn Novel Fifty Shades Of Grey Cited In UK Divorce


E.L. James

It’s been a year of firsts for Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L James. Her erotic novel, which began life as a work of fan fiction, dedicated to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight novels, has now been cited in a banker’s divorce proceedings.

The 41 year-old British woman, who earns over $600,000 (more than £400,000) per year apparently tried to jump-start her sex life with her hubby but her raunchy plans backfired when he then accused her of “unreasonable behaviour.”

According to the woman’s attorney, it’s the first time that anyone has cited the “mummy porn” in a divorce proceeding. Amanda McAlister, a divorce attorney, told the Daily Mail “she thought their sex life had hit a rut – he never remembered Valentine’s Day and never complimented her on her appearance… The woman had been reading the book and wanted to spice up her love life.” However, things didn’t quite go to plan for the banker, whose husband “went ballistic” when she suggested they replicate some of the saucy S&M scenes in the book. He blamed her for the breakdown of the marriage and told her “It’s all because you have been reading that bloody book.”

Continue reading: Mummy Porn Novel Fifty Shades Of Grey Cited In UK Divorce

Fifty Shades Of Grey Author Buys Into Lucrative Horse Racing Syndicate


E.L. James

In the first sign that she may be splashing some of newfound cash, E.L. James - the author of the Fifty Shades of Grey books - has bought into a potentially lucrative horseracing syndicate, aptly named 'Team 50.'

According to the Daily Mail, trainer George Baker purchased the son of sire Verglas for 50,000 guineas at a prestigious Book 1 sale this week. The grey colt (Fifty Shades of Grey) will be the first of three bought and trained by Baker, who is to move his growing stable to the Manton estate in Wiltshire next month. Two other colts - to be named Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed - will be bought at next year's sales with a £150,000 budget set aside. In keeping with the book's heroine Anastasia Steele, all three horses will be ridden by female jockeys.

The Fifty Shades franchise, a publishing phenomena, has sold well over 20 million copies worldwide though E.L James also made $5 million for the film rights from Universal Pictures and Focus Features. The author's current net worth is thought to somewhere in the region of $32 million.


Fifty Shades Of Kelly Marcel: Behind The Scenes Of Fifty Shades Of Grey's Screenwriter


E.L. James Tom Hardy Tom Hanks

After weeks, if not months, of speculation and rumors regarding the cast, production and writer of the Fifty Shades of Grey film adaptation, we've finally been given one concrete fact. The Fifty Shades screenwriter is to be Kelly Marcel. But is she the right person for the job, given that her only success so far is the US sci-fi drama Terra Nova?

Note 'so far', because it really is only 'so far'. Already Marcel has written the screenplay for 'Saving Mr Banks' for which filming started last month. A biographical drama, 'Saving Mr Banks' follows the controversy that Walt Disney faced while trying to procure the rights to make a film of Mary Poppins, coming up against the original novel's author, P.L Travers. It's set to star Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and English gem, Emma Thompson as Travers.

Marcel also did an “emergency rewrite” of 'Bronson', that stars her business partner and British actor Tom Hardy. The film went on to win 'Best Film' at the Sydney Film Festival in 2009, as well as being nominated for awards at the Sundance Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards and London Critics Circle Film Awards.

Continue reading: Fifty Shades Of Kelly Marcel: Behind The Scenes Of Fifty Shades Of Grey's Screenwriter

Harry’s Back? JK Rowling Hints At Eighth Harry Potter Novel


Jk Rowling Harry Potter E.L. James

Jk Rowling’s new book may be targeted at an adult audience, though the novelist caused a stir in the wizardry world on Wednesday (September 26, 2012) by refusing to rule out a fifth Harry Potter novel. The author and one of the world’s richest women told the BBC she would be willing to revisit her hugely successful series if she came up with an interesting plot.

On the eve of her new book ‘The Casual Vacancy’, Rowling quite rightly said she had reached a point in her career whereby she no longer had to write “just to make money,” adding, “Harry Potter truly liberated me in the sense that there's only one reason to write, for me - if I genuinely have something I want to say, and I want to publish it… Now if I had a fabulous idea that came out of that world - because I loved writing it - I'd do it.” Rowling has no doubt been urged to write further Potter books by her publishers, though has often spoken of her desire to produce work for other genres and audiences. ‘The Casual Vacancy’ has been shrouded in secrecy ahead of its release though reportedly contains more adult themes such a class warfare, addiction and sexuality.

Time will tell whether holding the book back from the press was a shrewd move, though it’s safe to say Rowling will be top of the charts come next week. The new book is unlikely to reach the heady sales heights of E.J James’ ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ series, though an eighth Harry Potter novel? Now that just might.


Will JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy Storm 2012’s Bestseller Charts?


Jk Rowling E.L. James Dan Brown Harry Potter

Jk Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy looks set to continue her literary success with one million pre-orders already having been made.


Following the massive success she had with her Harry Potter franchise which continues to reach out to fans with the new interactive website Pottermore.com even after the release of the last book and film, this modest author’s new ventures definitely look just as promising. It is expected to become the UK’s best seller of 2012 with The Bookseller charts editor Philip Stone telling AFP ‘It’s one of the biggest releases of the 21st century’ and predicting an immediate place at number one. It certainly has the credentials to become the next big hit in literature with it being the most pre-ordered book at Waterstones this year and with Rowling’s last book, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’, selling 2.5 million copies in the UK just in the first 24 hours.

However, she has some serious competition. She is yet to break the record for the most hardback sales of an adult book in the first week (given that ‘Harry Potter’ was a children’s franchise) which currently stands at a massive 550,000 for Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ sequel ‘The Lost Symbol’. She is also to match the global phenomenon that is ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ by EL James which has so far sold 5.3 million. One Waterstones spokesperson has expressed doubt that Rowling will even match her own success records with ‘A Casual Vacancy’ and admitted, ‘It is not in the league of ‘Harry Potter’.’

Will JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy Storm 2012’s Bestseller Charts?

Continue reading: Will JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy Storm 2012’s Bestseller Charts?

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